Home & Mobile

Home Networks

Play and Stay Safe at Home

It’s only natural for us to feel especially safe and secure while we’re at home. But just as a home intruder might violate your real-world residence, a cybercriminal can “break into” your home network if he or she is skilled and determined enough. Once inside your home network, a cybercriminal can then “rob” you of valuable items like personal data, passwords, IDs, IP addresses, account information, and more. To properly and powerfully secure your home network, you should secure the wireless router inside your home. Here are some smart home tips.

Tips + Tactics

  • Remember that every router comes equipped with a factory-issued username and password. If possible, change the username and/or password.
  • Put multi-layered protection in place by changing your router’s name/SSID, default password, and wireless network password (network security key)
  • Turn on encryption with a strong password (WPA2 is a strong home encryption; WEP is far less secure)
  • Set up a primary network for you, and an additional/secondary network for guests
  • Stop your router from broadcasting your home network’s name/SSID
  • Make sure your router’s firewall is turned on
  • Keep your router’s firmware up-to-date
  • Use a network monitoring app to scan your network for unwanted users/devices
  • Turn off your home’s wireless network when it’s not in use
  • Disable “Push-to-Connect” or “WPS” as well as “UPnP” options from your home wireless router. There are many security vulnerabilities around these options that can allow an intruder to connect to your home wireless network without authenticating

Mobile Security

Secure Your Mobile Devices Too

We live in an increasingly mobile world. Everywhere you go, wherever you look, you’ll find people working, playing, communicating, and connecting on their smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices. But just how secure from cyberattacks are your mobile devices? Especially if they’re loaded up with social networks and other assorted apps? From Apple to Android, you want to play it safe whenever you can – and wherever you go. Make sure your cybersecurity efforts extend well beyond your desktop or laptop computer with these strategic safety tips for smartphones and mobile devices.

Tips + Tactics

  • Adjust security settings to restrict others’ wireless- and Bluetooth-enabled access to your data
  • If your mobile device has data encryption features, activate and use them
  • Install a proven Antivirus/anti-malware program on your device (and update it regularly)
  • Update the operating system on your mobile device as soon as new versions become available (updates often include security patches)
  • Update apps on your mobile devices as soon as new versions become available
  • Avoid clicking on ads on your devices (ad-blocking apps exist for Apple and Android)
  • Turn off Bluetooth when you don’t need the connection
  • Keep your mobile devices locked and password-protected
  • Regularly backup your mobile devices when and where possible
  • For Apple devices, enable location services and “Find My iPhone/iPad”; this will allow you to remotely wipe the device through Apple’s website, www.apple.com, if the device is lost or stolen

Let’s Talk® More

We hope you’ve found this informative and helpful. All of us at Pacific Premier Bank remain devoted to safeguarding and ensuring your security while banking with us. We also welcome the opportunity to talk to you about meeting and exceeding any and all business and personal banking needs you may have.

Give us a call at 855.343.4070 and Let's Talk®.

Download Cybersecurity Guides

Cybersecurity at a Glance – A Brief Guide to Serious Security

Cybersecurity Matters – An In-Depth Look at Online Security